ESC+Plus has exclusively talked to the Swiss representative Rykka who will perform the song “The Last of our Kind” at the second semi-final of Eurovision 2016. Check what she has told us below:

ESC+Plus: Hello Rykka! First of all, thank you so much for giving us this interview as Swiss representative for Eurovision 2016 and congratulations on having been selected to wave your country’s flag in Stockholm!

How did you feel when you were named the winner of “Die Eintscheidungsshow” getting the right to represent your country in Stockholm? What does representing Switzerland at Eurovision mean to you?

I felt great ! It means a lot to me because Eurovision connects so many great people. It’s so amazing to meet so many amazing people who are connected to Eurovision in some way. Also, I’m so proud to represent Switzerland because it’s really in my heritage and I love it here so much.

E+: You were born in Canada, but moved to Switzerland a few years ago. Why did you decide to continue your musical career there? How have Canadians reacted to your Eurovision participation?

I wanted to come to Switzerland to release my album Straight Line because it’s my home country. It was so amazing that it was so well received. Straight Line was quite successful in Switzerland and led to a lot of great opportunities. That record was released through Little Jig Records, the label that I still work with in Switzerland, and I’m so happy to still be with them, they’re like family now.

E+: Can you tell us your song “The Last of Our Kind” and the story behind the lyrics?

The message of The Last Of Our Kind is to always stand up for love above all. Stand up for yourself and for people and other beings who can’t stand up for themselves. Standing up for love also sometimes means to go against your own ego and really search to find the truth.

E+: How are you preparing your Eurovision performance? Can you reveal us anything about the staging you would like to show us in Stockholm?

Of course there will be surprises! I’m working on a dress with LYN Lingerie, it will be a collaboration. LYN x RYKKA! I’ve had meetings with the team at the Swiss Television SRF and worked on the style and mood and what will happen on stage with them. It was really a team effort, and it was so great to be so involved, I love that stuff! Tanja Dankner, Nyssina and Brandy Butler will be singing with me in Stockholm. They’re all amazing singers and I’m so excited to have them on board.

E+: Tell us what Eurovision can contribute to your musical career. What are your expectations?

I wish for myself to really embrace to experience. I really want to live in the moment and love the craziness. I also want to focus on the amazing people who I meet along the way and hold those who support me close. I consider Eurovision a very exciting adventure in my career, that brings a lot of wonderful people together.

E+: Have you recently met any previous Swiss representatives? If yes, have they given you any advice?

I really appreciate Melanie René’s advice to me this year. It was to enjoy every minute of it, because it goes by fast!

E+: What do you do in your free time? Do you have any favourite hobbies?

I love to make my own stage outfits, I just got a new sewing machine I’m so excited about.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favourite songs in the history of the competition?

Because I grew up in Canada I’ve only been following the ESC for a few years now. I find it so amazing that so many people grew up with it and have such a special connection to the ESC.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

I’ll release my brand new record and tour with my band.

E+: Can you send a message for our readers?

I want to thank everyone for their amazing support! It’s such a dream to share this crazy experience with all of you. Sending love out to everyone!

About Belén García (Spain)

My name is Belén. I'm a musician and English teacher from Spain.I have been following Eurovision since I was only 11 and the junior version since the beginning (expert of this contest). I love Eurovision because I love discovering new songs every year.Before ESC+Plus, I have been part of very well-known websites about (Junior) Eurovision. Apart from writing, I love taking professional photos, designing and editing videos, I'm very creative!I have already traveled to Eurovision and Junior Eurovision a few times and I highly recommend it! =)